LEONARD ROSCOE BIRD
Leonard Roscoe Bird, 81, of Scott Depot, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Leonard is a 1961 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School and a graduate of WV State College. He is an Army Veteran and retired from Appalachian Power after 37 years of service. Leonard is a former member of Kingdom Life Fellowship Church and currently attends Teays Valley Church of God. He and his wife Emma enjoyed camping, boating, and scuba diving together.
He is preceded in death by is parents Roscoe Siebert and Dorris Dawson Bird; brothers Jack and Jerry Bird; and sister Jackie Cottle.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Emma Lou Bird; daughter Lora Bird Boggs (Tim Boggs); son Brian Andrew Bird (Paula Coleman); 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Leonard’s life will be 6:00 PM Saturday April 5, 2025 at Teays Valley Church of God with Dr. Melissa Pratt, Pastor, officiating.
ROBERT ‘STU’ COMBS
Robert Stewart “Stu” Combs, 62, of Winfield, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Stu is a 1981 graduate of Winfield High School, Army Veteran, and a diesel mechanic. He enjoyed fishing and arrowhead hunting.
He was born July 5, 1962, in Charleston, to the late Robert and Winifrede Combs.
He is survived by his siblings Dorothy (Mike) Wilson, Brian Scott (Becky) Combs, William “Bill” Combs, and Sandy Baldwin, his dog Hootie, and a host of nieces and nephews.
A celebration will be held at a later date. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
ROBERT ‘BOB’ FORSHEY
Robert “Bob” Allen Forshey, 68, of Kingwood, WV, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Born on April 6, 1956, in Akron, OH, Bob was the son of the late Norman Frederick Forshey and Margaret “Peggy” Delores (Mitchell) Forshey.
Bob dedicated his career as a Master Ford Technician and his expertise and work ethic were well known.
He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Tammy Lynn (Duke) Forshey; his son, Robert “Bob” Forshey and wife Melissa of Kingwood; his daughter, Kalan Wolford and husband Chris of Tunnelton; his mother in law, Delores Duke, of Kingwood, WV; two step children, Jeremy Smith, of Hurricane, WV, and Wes Smith and wife Angie, of Reedsville, WV; his four beloved grandchildren, Karleigh Wolford, Brooke Smith, Raegan Smith, and Scott Smith who makes his home with Bob and Tammy; one brother in law, Ed Ritchie and wife Holly, of Winchester, KY, two sisters in law, Nancy Forshey, of Uniontown, OH, and Maria Forshey, of Ortonville, MI; two brothers in law, Roger and Donald Ridenour; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Doug Baker; and his fur babies, Rocky, Sissie, Izzy, Calli, and Gizmo.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by: one grandson, Daniel Smith; his four siblings, Norman Forshey, Earl Forshey, David Forshey, and Tillie “Marlene” Sink; and his fur babies Buster and Wompuss.
Bob will be remembered for his hard work, devotion to family, and the kindness he extended to those around him. He enjoyed spending time at his camp at Landboc Seven Island, Parsons, WV.
NATHAN MCCALLISTER
Nathan Owen McCallister, 43, of Hurricane, passed away March 26, 2025 at CAMC Teays Valley after a short illness with family and friends by his side. Nathan was an avid Cincinnati Bengals and WVU Fan. He had a passion for baseball and even played football at Hurricane High School where he graduated from.
Nathan was a Conductor with CSX Railroad and loved being in the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; grandparents, Jessie and Janice McCallister and Verona and Tom Adkins.
Nathan is survived by his father, Marshall (Diana) McCallister; brother, Kevin (Mackenzie) and Natasha (Jeff); children Jacob, Kendall and Bryson McCallister; girlfriend, Megan Moore and her children and a host of many more family and friends.
Funeral service for Nathan was Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Hesson officiating.
Donna Jane Nix
Donna Jane Nix, 79, of Winfield, graduated to Heaven on March 24, 2025.
She was born to the late Ora L. and Peggy Flamont Ekers on May 1, 1945 in Jacksonville, FL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Huey C. Nix Sr.; stepfather, Jack Nichols; sister, Caroline Ekers; and son in-law, David R. Bennett.
Donna was an employee of the State of WV and retired in 2011 to pursue her dream of traveling to Hawaii, Cayman Islands and whale watching in Washington State. She enjoyed learning about different cultures, history and wildlife, as well as discussing those topics with others. Donna was an accomplished cross stitcher and crocheter, having won several awards at the State Fair of WV on her stitched pieces.
She was a devoted Christian who performed her daily devotionals and enjoyed watching Rev. Charles Stanley. A mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who loved her family and spending time with them.
Donna is survived by her children: Lori Bennett (David), Allison Parkins (Kerry), and Huey C. Nix Jr. (Charlenia); sister, Linda Hinton of FL; brother, David Ekers of MN; granddaughters: Heather Fagan (Jamin) Shannon White, Bethany McClanahan (PE), Morganne Tenney (JR), Rachel Nix (Charles Fernsell), Katherine Nix (Kord Mullins); great-grandchildren: Nora White, Noelle Fagan, Grier McClannahan, Landon Tenney, Grant McClanahan, and Jack Tenney; niece, Michelle Craver; and dearest friend, Debbie Chinn.
Funeral service for Donna was Friday, March 28, 2025 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Red House, with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating.
Debra Lynn Priestley
Debra Lynn Priestley, 68, of Hurricane, went Home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Debra was born August 20, 1956, in Louisville, KY, to the late Obed and Dorothy Terry. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children, James Ronk; and stepson, Cody David Priestley.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 22 years, David Priestley; children: Jarrett (Tori) Ronk of Sissonville, Erin (Hugh) Deskins of Dunbar, Jessica (Eric) McClain of Rincon, GA, Kyle (Star) Ronk of Kenosha, WI, Cory (Teresa) Ronk of Hurricane; grandchildren: Gillian Ronk, Gabriel Ronk, Gracelyn Ronk, Alexxis Chambers, McKenzie Deskins, Jayden McClain, Bryce McClain, Alex McClain, Kyle Ronk Jr., Hailey Ronk, and Nicholas Ronk; great granddaughter, Ezra-Jade Dworsky; mother-in-law, Judy Priestley; step-children: Jason Priestley, Amber Kinser, Christopher Priestley, Tiffany Priestley, Cody Priestley; her best companion, her dog, Penelope Lynn; brother, Bill (Linda) Terry of Louisville, KY; sisters: Donna Gibson and Cindy Burgin both of Clarksville, IN; as well as, several nieces and nephews.
Debra was a strong woman who fiercely loved her children and grandchildren. She spent most of her time with her youngest “the baby” Cory Ronk. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Debra believed that passing on shouldn’t be anything less than a celebration of her life, she wanted us all to love and remember her while being able to find comfort in our souls knowing she was free again.
Funeral service for Debra was Friday, March 28, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Mayford Witt officiating.
Savanna Lynn Rhodes
Savanna Lynn Rhodes, 33, of Hurricane, passed away March 29, 2025, at Cornerstone St. Mary’s Hospital from complications of diabetes. She was born on May 15, 1991.
Savanna was the most selfless human being, the strongest & fought the hardest fight until the very end.
Savanna is preceded in death by her grandfather Dencil Lee Rhodes, Sr., grandmother Cheryl Lynn Rhodes, grandparents Peggy Jean and Dale Grant, great grandparents Muriel and Otto Rhodes and Earl and Emilee Wray, as well as aunts Beverly Rhodes and Linda Burrows.
Savanna is survived by mother Kimberly of Hurricane, father Dencil Jr. (Vera) of Hurricane, sister Brianna (Miranda) of Nitro, niece Aubriella Rhodes, brother Andrew, all of Nitro, sister Jewelissa Rhodes, nephew Liam, and uncle Brian Rodes of Charleston as well a host of other special family and close friends.
Per Savanna’s wishes she will be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.
Alan Lee Rowh
Alan Lee Rowh, 69, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life, Diana, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Alan was born October 13, 1955, in Charleston to the late Coy and Evelyn Rowh. He is a graduate of Poca High School and a retired Master Carpenter. Alan was a giver and had a heart of gold. You could often find him building a handicap ramp, donating an appliance, or giving his love dollars to someone in need at Christmas. His jokes and his generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Left to cherish his memories are his two children Letitia “Tisha” and her husband Bobby Runions and Terry and his wife Denisha Rowh; aunt Margie and her husband Steve King; uncle Max Rowh; brother-in-law Johnny and his wife Lisa Larck; and granddad to Hannah Marie Runions, Lindzie Elizabeth Runions, Coy Alan Rowh, and Emberlynn Carol Rowh, his grandchildren were the light of his life. He is also survived by many nieces, nephew, and a host of friends.
A tribute to the life of Alan Rowh was held Monday, March 31, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
David Smith
David Michael Smith, 48, of Hurricane, passed away March 26, at St Marys Hospital after a 4 year battle with cancer.
David loved the outdoors especially fishing and chasing them springtime turkeys.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis, grandparents, Lester and Lilly Myers; Lewis and Juanita Smith; and his Uncle John.
David is survived by his two sons, John (Hailey) and Tyler Smith; father, Michael (Paula) Smith; and a grandson, Cooper and a host of many other family and friends.
He will be missed by his bluetick Buddy.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Sycamore Baptist Church.
Acy W. Underwood
Acy W. Underwood, 70, of Bancroft, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
He is a graduate of Nitro High School Class of 1972. He is a former employee of Viscose, Perrow Presbyterian Church, Cross Lanes, and CAMC Teays Valley Maintenance Department. At the hospital they called him “The Whistler” where he retired in 2018. From then on, he served his community, always lending a hand or giving advice whenever needed. He was a master plumber, wood worker, and a jack of all trades and master of many. He was a member of Our Victory Church, Cross Lanes, where he led the congregation in joyful songs to the Lord Jesus Christ. Acy had a beautiful voice and loved singing and praising our Savior.
Lee Casto and Randy Banear were his buddies in mischief and these two were his buds along with Brent Null, Rick Casto, and many more. He called them brothers.
He is preceded in death by his father Melvin Underwood; sister Nancy Norvell; brothers-in-law Wayne Norvel, Jim Norvell, and Larry Pack; and father and mother-in-law Sam and Mary Rust.
Acy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Katy; sons Bryan and Charley (Cierra); grandchildren Alexis, Cayden, Beau, Marcus, Lilly, Emma, Nora, and Jane; daughters Katy Beth (Chris) and Lisa. He is also survived by his 100-year-old mother Mae, who was able to make a surprise visit a few weeks back along with his sisters Ann (Craig) and Sandy (Ronnie) and his brother Johnny (Gina). He is also survived by nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law Amy Sullivan (Mike) and Connie Gallaher (Steve); brother-in-law Roy Rust and the youth of our church, especially Josh and Chris who was always there if he needed them.
A tribute to the life of Acy was held Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brent Null officiating.
Mary Lou Ward
Mary Lou Ward, 96, of Scott Depot, passed away on March 21, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
She was born on July 14, 1928, in Barboursville to the late Keyser E. and Georgia (Call) Bowles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Bertha Bowles; former husbands: Ross A. Taylor Jr. and Jack Okey Ward; son, Randall Lee Taylor; and brothers: Ray, Keith, Wesley and Ralph Bowles.
Mary Lou raised three children and retired from Kroger‘s after 15+ years. She enjoyed crafting, baking, traveling, sewing, and flying in her husband‘s plane. Mary Lou was very unique and loved bright colors.
She is survived by her daughters: Tenia (Greg) Creson and Tammy (Keith) Hale; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, with one on the way; and her brother, Reverend Philip Bowles.
Funeral service for Mary Lou was Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt officiating. Burial was in Heaven’s Gateway Memorial Gardens, Winfield.
Patricia Wilcoxen
Patricia Wilcoxen, 52, of Culloden, , went to walk amongst greener pastures unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 25th, surrounded by family and friends. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, friend, born on August 9, 1972, Trish was sunshine in human form. She was always a helping hand, and there when you needed her. She loved spending time with her family and friends, cooking, sewing, reading, and working in the garden. She worked at Fear On The Farm and The Sugar Shed, alongside the best of friends.
Patricia is survived by her husband Lonnie Wilcoxen, daughter Alondra (Hunter) Price, grandchildren Josiah and Juniper Price, Gwendolyn, Dalton, and Hensley Bartram, Father Harold Thacker, sister Marjory Call. She is preceded in death by her mother Rebecca Thacker, grandmother and grandfather Luvenia and Clyde Richards, grandmother Mossie Thacker, and dear friend Kelly Ashworth. A celebration of life was held at Wallace Funeral Home in Milton on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Michelle Dawn Young
Michelle Dawn Young, 43, of Red House, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lexington KY, after fighting a 4 year long health battle.
She was born on July 17, 1981 to Marilyn Sue Young and the late William M. Young. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Dustin Young; her maternal grandparents: Orpha and Betty Witt; paternal grandparents: William and Maggie Young.
Michelle is survived by her daughter, Mackenzie J. Jordan; mother, Marilyn Sue Young and her special partner, Jeremy Barnett; aunts and uncles: Rick (Sheryl) Witt, Mike (Linda) Young, Phillip (Teresa) Young and Jeff (Stella) Young; as well as other family members.
A Celebration of Michelle’s Life was held Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield.
